Here in the US, we’re finally picking up on something that has been a considered a great healer in many cultures for years: bone broth.
We even have the “Starbucks” of bone broth that has opened in New York called Brodo. Brodo’s owner, Marco Canora, native South American notes that some cultures in his home region says that a good bone broth can revive the dead! Now, that is powerful stuff!
While this is obviously an exaggeration, bone broth has some nutritionalists backing its value “healing” gut issues.
There is more about the how-to’s of bone brothing below, but here is more on the “why” end of the trend.
So, why drink bone broth? Heal & Seal
A holistic nutrition coach and founder of Healthful Elements, Jill Grunewald, advises that a cup a day works miracles for leaky gut syndrome but also is good for protecting non-leaky guts. The gelatin in the bone broth (found in the knuckles, feet, and other joints) helps seal up holes in intestines. This helps cure chronic diarrhea, constipation, and even some food intolerances. Joint Protection
Taking glucosamine supplements to help with joint pain has been common knowledge for years, but bone broth has glucosamine in it too. Unlike pills, the broth also includes a host of other goodies that help keep your joints happy, healthy, and pain-free. The chondroitin sulfate in bone broth has been shown to help prevent osteoarthritis. Fountain of Youth
Bone broth is a rich source of collagen and that just happens to be one of the ingredients in “plumping” products these days. But why get a shot when you can have a sip? Drinking it is also much cheaper and can make your skin, hair, and nails look radiant. Better Sleep
Because bone broth contains glycine, it helps to improve sleep and memory quality.
Support Your Immune System
Called a superfood by author Mark Sisson, because of its high concentration of minerals, bone broth (containing bone marrow) can help strengthen the immune system. A Harvard study even showed that some people with auto-immune disorders experienced a relief of symptoms when drinking bone broth.
Bone Strength
The phosphorus, magnesium, and calcium in bones seeps into the broth and provides the essential building blocks for healthy bones. Energy+
Everyone bone broth enthusiast also swears that it provides an energy boost. Research is still emerging, but there is none yet to support an identified mechanism for this.
Cheap & Powerful
Rarely do you find this combination so don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it. After all, most people just throw away the ingredients for making it.
Make It Yourself
Registered dietician Esther Blum provided us with her tried-and-true, easy recipe for making bone broth in the comforts of home:
Ingredients
3 pounds knuckle and neck bones (ideally from pastured cows)
¾ cup vinegar
1 organic onion, quartered
2 organic carrots, peeled and chopped into large pieces
1 organic celery rib, chopped into large pieces
Instructions
Place the bones into a 7-quart slow cooker and pour the vinegar over the bones. Let sit for 30-60 minutes. Add the chopped veggies and 16 cups of water. Cook for 16-18 hours on low heat overnight. (Never raise the heat.) Cool, strain and pour into glass mason jars [for daily consumption]. Keeps for five days in the fridge and in the freezer for up to six months.
Resources: Charlotte Hilton Andersen, The Cheer Professional, Shape.com
